Last year, the Chinese government rolled out an ambitious five-year plan to spend $250 billion to develop the next phase of its aviation infrastructure. Already, most of the world's airport construction is taking place in China. In his newest book "China Airborne," journalist James Fallows chronicles the country's efforts to become the leading producer and user of commercial planes. What could China's aerospace expansion mean for the U.S. and the rest of the world?

It's hard to argue that any effort to stop cigarette addiction isn't a worthy pursuit. Still, Proposition 29 -- which plans to increase the cigarette tax by $1 a pack and give that money to cancer research -- is under fire. Critics say the program may be well intentioned, but that any new tax revenues should pay down the budget deficit. Proponents say making people pay more for their bad habit is a way raise needed research money, and break an addiction.

On June 5, California voters will decide whether to adopt new rules on term limits. Proposition 28 would reduce the total number of years lawmakers can serve in the Legislature, while also allowing them to serve out their term in one house. Supporters say it would increase government stability and preserve institutional knowledge. Critics say it will empower incumbents and keep new faces and ideas out of Sacramento.

In April, Brooklyn-based poet and author Tracy K. Smith received the Pulitzer Prize for poetry for her book "Life on Mars," a collection of poems that touches on childhood, the universe and the loss of her late father, an engineer who worked on the Hubble telescope. Smith joins us to discuss the award, her writings and why she looked to outer space to gain perspectives on issues closer to home.

Should children be paid to get good grades at school? Should air travelers be able to pay to board the plane first? These are some of the ethical questions explored by Harvard University political philosopher Michael Sandel in his latest book, "What Money Can't Buy: The Moral Limits of Markets."

Local musician and naturalist Bernie Krause has made a career of recording and arranging the sounds of nature. In his new book, "The Great Animal Orchestra," Krause explores how animals use sound to survive in their habitats, and examines the contributions of natural rhythms to human musical expression.

In the first statewide election since California voters created the top-two primary system, the two candidates with the most votes on June 5 -- regardless of their party affiliation -- will move on to face off in the November election. How will the new system impact the state's political landscape?